When I think of who my Nana was before her disease, I see a fiery light. 

She was always a highly stubborn person — She was not afraid to speak her mind. She had so much compassion for the people in her life and in the world. She stood her ground, but she also had a strange grace to her demeanor. 

The awful reality of Alzheimer’s is that you have to watch your loved one disappear and, in a sense die, right before your eyes.  

Alzheimer’s has no cure. Scientists know so little about the disease. The disease itself affects everyone so differently. Some people are calmer as it overtakes them. Some react to things erratically. Some are a little bit of both. 

But I, and so many others, have to believe there is hope. 

Alzheimer’s has taken a lot from my family and will most likely continue to take more from us. 

By raising awareness of the gruesome truth and heartbreak that this disease causes, it may be possible to garner more attention to the need for more research on memory diseases and their complex reality. 

I have lost my Nana and Auntie Mary, two of the most influential people in my upbringing.

No matter how hard this has been for me to cope with, nothing could ever compare to the way I am sure my Nana felt  every day.

My Nana was always one of the strongest women in my life. She still is that to me. She still amazes me. The lessons she taught me, the stories she gave me and, most importantly, the love she gave me will always be what I remember her by. 

Love You Nana (My Guardian Angel)